Ed and Rosie (An Ed Sheeran Fan Fiction)

Chapter 6: Trust

(Rosie’s POV)

I used to love firework night as a kid. I’d always be given a sparkler, and one of the adults would ignite it, setting off a hot flame - too far away to hurt me, close enough to admire. The spark would be bright at first, and I’d be so happy with something so simple, so delicate, so effortless. It would gradually get closer and closer towards me, the likelihood of the flame injuring me increasing, though I never thought of that. Too soon, the spark would go out, and if I was naive enough not to wear gloves, I would burn my hands on the scorching metal. And that’s what had happened to me now. I’d had one night of pure bliss, innocent fun, a collection of perfect moments. But it was gone now, and I’d been burned. It had now been a few months since that day at the restaurant, but the scar was still there, and every time I thought of it I’d just think about how stupid I’d been.

I hadn’t seen Ed since that day, yet he would still constantly be texting me. I’d never reply, though. Whenever my phone would flash with his name, I’d shake off the tinge of sadness I’d always get while clicking the “delete” button before I’d even allow myself to read it; it had simply become an automatic reaction by now. Despite all this, my life was nothing to complain about. The whole situation with Ed was merely like a cough; interrupting me every now and then, and slightly painful in the chest region, but it’d go away sooner or later.  To my irritation, I had a feeling this particular ‘cough’ wouldn’t be leaving me any time soon.

I made my way down the street swiftly, pointlessly adjusting my hair as I walked. As I reached the door, I threw my hand into my handbag and started to rummage around for the keys. I fitted it into the lock and turned it to the right slowly and quietly as I walked in, carefully closing the door behind me. I tip-toed up the stairs, finally arriving to the door of his bedroom. I opened it, revealing Daniel sprawled across his bed in his ill state, wearing nothing but his boxers. Chuckling lightly to myself, I approached him and started to stroke his soft brown hair, his big eyes slowly opening in reaction, smiling when he saw me. He groaned as he took my arm and guided me next to him, kissing me on the forehead before falling back asleep. We’d been together just over a month now after I finally took him up on his offer. He treated me so well, and he made me feel safe, like he’d never hurt me. Despite the constant image of Ed etched into my head, I managed to somewhat convince myself that Daniel was better for me. I moved closer into him, burying my head in his chest as I drifted off.

I was awoken by a stern voice coming from beside me. “Who the fuck is Ed?” Daniel questioned, his

eyes dark.. almost sinister. “What?” I responded innocently, still drowsy and unable to think. “Don’t act like you don’t know what I’m talking about.  You got a text on your phone and I thought I’d check it, and I’m glad I did. Have you been seeing this guy behind my back?” He sat up now, looking down at me as his anger evidently started to build up. “What are you talking about? What did it say?” He let out an angry sigh as he placed his hand forcibly onto my collarbone. “Answer the question.” I shook my head, confused and uncomfortable. “Don’t fucking lie to me!” He yelled, startling me with his new found volume.  He moved his hand from my collarbone to my neck roughly and carelessly. He started to put pressure onto my throat, causing me to let out an involuntary, frightened gasp as he placed either legs beside me, trapping my body. Desperate for breath, I pushed both of my arms against his chest, pushing as hard as a can, before kneeing him in his crotch. He winced in pain, releasing my neck as his body became momentarily weak. As quickly as I could, I untangled myself from his control, heading for the doorway - too terrified to look back. My head was spinning. My heart was racing. My legs felt useless, like I couldn’t get away fast enough. I threw the door open, desperate for escape. As I made it to the top of the stairs, I felt an unwelcome presence. I turned around as he towered over me, merciless. “You’re pathetic, you know that?” He spitted, looking down at me in disgust. Despite my fear, I still managed to muster a few words. “Give me one reason why I shouldn’t just leave you right now.” He looked almost taken aback by this, a small, evil smirk appearing on his face. “Because, Rosie, let’s face it.  Do you really think you deserve better? You’ve had this coming,” He scoffed, shaking his head disapprovingly. “Hell, I doubt you could even get better. I mean look at you. You’re worthless, you’re nothing.” Frozen and weak, there was no way my body could have prepared me for what came next. His large hands grabbed my shoulders aggressively, forcing me backwards and sending me falling down the stairs, hitting every inch of my body on the way down. I lay motionless at the bottom, feeling the bruises across my body develop as a warm liquid begun to trickle from my scalp. My vision hazy, I desperately looked around, although I knew there was little chance of help. Everything went blank after that, as I let unconsciousness take hold of me.